A worldwide operation co-ordinated by INTERPOL and involving 51 countries across all five continents against the illegal trade in reptiles and amphibians has resulted in arrests worldwide and the seizure of thousands of animals as well as of products worth more than 25 million Euros.

Including national wildlife enforcement authorities, police, customs and specialized units from participating countries, Operation RAMP (September – October) focused particularly on illegal activities relating to the trade and possession of endangered reptiles such as turtles and snakes which included Boa constrictors. The operation resulted in thousands of searches and inspections being conducted, and saw hundreds of suspects being investigated or charged as part of an on-going series of investigations. The goods seized included leather products, and illicit firearms and drugs were also uncovered.

During the two month-long operation, which led to investigations into individuals and companies as well as inspections of premises such as seaports and wholesalers, INTERPOL’s Environmental Crime Programme unit acted as a key operational communications and intelligence centre, facilitating the exchange of information between the world police body’s member countries participating in the operation.

26 participants from various national agencies in Honduras collaborated during the three day program to design potential performance indicators for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of programs designed to assure compliance with specific national requirements. The working groups focused on performance measures for compliance with policies related to wastewater and solid waste management.

INECE, in cooperation with the Nicaragua’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, CCAD, and US EPA, convened a two-day workshop in Nicaragua on identifying, designing,and using environmental compliance and enforcement measures. The workshop occurred simultaneously to events in Managua commemorating the fourth anniversary of Nicaragua signing the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement.

About INECE’s Work on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Indicators

Environmental compliance and enforcement indicators are instruments that measure results achieved by environmental compliance and enforcement programs. This information helps decision-makers to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of those programs.

Work in Central America on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Indicators

The work on environmental compliance and enforcement performance measures builds on a series of workshops convened over the past few years in Central America, including in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. For further background information on indicators work in Central America, see CCAD’s web site, including the follow articles:

INECE, in cooperation with the Nicaragua’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, CCAD, and US EPA, convened a two-day workshop in Nicaragua on identifying, designing,and using environmental compliance and enforcement measures. The workshop occurred simultaneously to events in Managua commemorating the fourth anniversary of Nicaragua signing the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement.

Work in Central America on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Indicators

The work on environmental compliance and enforcement performance measures builds on a series of workshops convened over the past few years in Central America, including in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. For further background information on indicators work in Central America, see CCAD’s web site, including the follow articles: